The One Bowl Chocolate Cake is the perfect recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth. This recipe is simple, quick, and requires minimal clean-up. It's a chocolate cake recipe that's sure to impress at any gathering, and the rich, velvety ganache brings a luxurious finish. All you need is one bowl and a few pantry staples to create a dessert that's rich, moist, and decadent.
Photos of One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are likely already in your pantry. However, you may need to pick up buttermilk and dark chocolate melting wafers. Buttermilk helps to make the cake moist and tender, and the dark chocolate wafers are perfect for making a smooth, velvety ganache. If you can't find chocolate wafers, a good quality dark chocolate bar can be chopped and used instead.
Ingredients for One Bowl Chocolate Cake
All purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure.
Cocoa powder: Gives the cake its rich, chocolatey flavor.
Baking soda and baking powder: Act as leavening agents to help the cake rise.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and flavor to the cake.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Coffee: Deepens the chocolate flavor of the cake.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang to balance the sweetness of the cake.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
Egg: Creates structure and stability within the batter.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.
Butter: Used to grease the cake pan, preventing the cake from sticking.
Heavy whipping cream: The base for the chocolate ganache.
Dark chocolate melting wafers: Melted into the cream to make a rich, velvety ganache.
One reader, Alister Sowell says:
This one-bowl chocolate cake recipe is a game-changer! It's incredibly easy to make and the result is a moist, decadent cake that's a hit every time. The rich chocolate flavor and smooth ganache on top make it a showstopper. I highly recommend trying this recipe - it's a definite crowd-pleaser!
Techniques Required for Making One Bowl Chocolate Cake
How to prepare the cake pan: Brush the cake pan with melted butter and line the bottom with parchment paper, then brush the parchment paper with melted butter.
How to make the chocolate ganache: Microwave the cream in a heatproof vessel for 50-55 seconds, then add the chocolate in a small mixing bowl and pour the hot cream over it. Allow it to stand for a minute or two before whisking until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture is smooth. Let the ganache cool completely and refrigerate for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens but is still pourable.
How To Make One Bowl Chocolate Cake
The best chocolate cake recipes are often the simplest. This version comes together easily with just one bowl and is prepped & cooked in less than an hour.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Chocolate Cake:
- 1cupall purpose flour
- 6tbspcocoa powder
- ½tspbaking soda
- ½tspbaking powder
- 1cupgranulated sugar
- ¼tspkosher salt
- ½cupcoffee,cooled
- ½cupbuttermilk
- ¼cupvegetable oil
- 1large egg
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
- butter,melted for pan
For Chocolate Ganache:
- 4ozheavy whipping cream,(½ cup)
- 4ozdark chocolate melting wafers
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Brush an 8-inch round cake pan with melted butter and line the bottom of the pan with a round piece of parchment paper, brush the parchment paper with melted butter as well. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together coffee and buttermilk. Whisk in the vegetable oil, then egg and vanilla. Beat until thoroughly combined.
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Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder into the liquid mixture. Add salt and sugar and whisk until a smooth batter forms.
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Transfer the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean with just a few crumbs attached.
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before inverting it over and set it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Chocolate Ganache:
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Microwave the cream in a heat proof vessel for 50 to 55 seconds, watching it during the last few seconds to ensure it doesn’t boil over.
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Add the chocolate in a small mixing bowl and pour the hot cream over it. Allow it to stand for a minute or two before whisking it until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture is smooth.
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Let the ganache cool completely and refrigerate for about 15 to 20 minutes until it thickens but still pourable.
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Put the cooled cake on a cake stand or plate and drizzle the ganache over the top of the cake, tap the cake stand or plate lightly on the tabletop to even out the top of the ganache.
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Serve right away or let the ganache thicken further in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 369.03kcal
- Fat: 17.73g
- Saturated Fat: 5.87g
- Trans Fat: 0.11g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.93g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.99g
- Carbohydrates: 50.65g
- Fiber: 2.20g
- Sugar: 26.28g
- Protein: 4.63g
- Cholesterol: 46.72mg
- Sodium: 248.81mg
- Calcium: 63.74mg
- Potassium: 144.93mg
- Iron: 1.77mg
- Vitamin A: 81.35µg
- Vitamin C: 0.24mg
Essential Technique Tip for Making One Bowl Chocolate Cake
When making the chocolate ganache, it's important to ensure the cream is hot enough to melt the chocolate but not boiling. If the cream is too hot, it can cause the chocolate to seize and become grainy. Similarly, if the cream is not hot enough, the chocolate won't melt properly, resulting in a lumpy ganache. Therefore, microwaving the cream for the right amount of time is crucial. Also, letting the hot cream sit for a minute or two before whisking helps in melting the chocolate evenly.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Chocolate Cake Recipe
Prep ahead: Measure and sift all dry ingredients the night before. Store them in an airtight container to save time on the day of baking.
Room temperature ingredients: Bring eggs, buttermilk, and other refrigerated ingredients to room temperature before starting. This will help the batter come together more quickly and evenly.
One-bowl method: Use a large mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients. This minimizes cleanup and streamlines the baking process.
Efficient mixing: Whisk the dry ingredients together first, then add the wet ingredients. This reduces the number of mixing bowls and ensures even distribution of ingredients.
Quick ganache: Use the microwave to heat the cream for the ganache, saving time compared to stovetop methods.
Chill for efficiency: Place the ganache in the refrigerator to thicken while the cake cools. This speeds up the process and allows for easy pouring over the cake.
Substitute Ingredients For One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe
all purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all purpose flour: This substitute is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies, and it can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a replacement for regular flour.
cocoa powder - Substitute with cacao powder: Cacao powder is less processed than cocoa powder and has a richer flavor. It can be used as a 1:1 substitute in recipes.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: If you run out of baking soda, you can use baking powder as a substitute, but keep in mind that baking powder is not as strong as baking soda, so you may need to use more.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a 1:1 replacement for granulated sugar, and it adds a subtle caramel flavor to the cake.
coffee - Substitute with hot water: Hot water can be used as a substitute for coffee in the recipe, especially if you prefer to avoid using coffee or if it's not readily available.
buttermilk - Substitute with milk + vinegar or lemon juice: Combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to substitute for buttermilk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
vegetable oil - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a healthier substitute for vegetable oil, adding moisture to the cake while reducing the fat content.
large egg - Substitute with flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or applesauce: A flax egg or applesauce can be used as a vegan-friendly substitute for eggs in the recipe.
heavy whipping cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative to heavy whipping cream, providing a rich and creamy texture to the ganache.
dark chocolate melting wafers - Substitute with semisweet chocolate chips: Semisweet chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for dark chocolate melting wafers, providing a similar chocolatey flavor and smooth texture.
Best Way to Present This One Bowl Chocolate Cake
Elevate the cake on a pedestal: Place the decadent chocolate cake on a beautiful cake stand to showcase its elegance and height.
Garnish with fresh berries: Surround the cake with a selection of fresh, vibrant berries such as raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries to add a pop of color and freshness to the presentation.
Drizzle with chocolate ganache: Artfully drizzle the rich and luscious chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a visually stunning effect.
Dust with cocoa powder: Lightly dust the top of the cake with a fine layer of cocoa powder using a small sieve to add a touch of sophistication and a hint of bitterness to complement the sweetness of the cake.
Add edible flowers: Place a few delicate, edible flowers such as pansies or violets on top of the cake for an exquisite and refined finishing touch.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream: Accompany the cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side, elegantly piped or quenelled, to provide a creamy and luxurious element to the dessert.
Essential Tools for Making One Bowl Chocolate Cake
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the dry and wet ingredients for the cake batter.
- Whisk: A whisk is used to thoroughly combine the ingredients for the cake batter until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- 8” round cake pan: This pan is used to bake the cake and ensures it takes the desired shape.
- Parchment paper: Parchment paper is used to line the bottom of the cake pan, preventing the cake from sticking.
- Wire rack: A wire rack is used to cool the cake after baking, allowing air to circulate around it.
- Heat proof vessel: This is used to heat the cream for the chocolate ganache in the microwave.
- Small mixing bowl: A small mixing bowl is used to combine the chocolate and hot cream to make the ganache.
- Cake stand or plate: This is used to present and serve the finished chocolate cake.
How To Store and Freeze One Bowl Chocolate Cake
- Allow the chocolate cake to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. The cake will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- To freeze the one bowl chocolate cake:
- Cut the cake into individual slices for easier thawing and serving later.
- Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, making sure there are no air pockets.
- Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, remove the desired number of slices from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.
- If you want to freeze the entire cake, place it on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Then, wrap the frozen cake tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw a whole frozen cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, remove the foil and plastic wrap and let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Chocolate Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chocolate cake on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Heat the cake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until it's warm throughout. This method helps to retain the cake's moisture and prevent it from drying out.
For a quicker option, you can reheat individual slices of chocolate cake in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on medium power for 20-30 seconds, or until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the cake, as it can become rubbery or dry.
If you want to add a touch of indulgence, try reheating your leftover chocolate cake in a skillet with a bit of butter. Melt a small amount of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place a slice of cake in the skillet and heat it for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it's warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a moist and steamy reheating method, try using a steamer basket. Fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the leftover chocolate cake in a heat-proof dish that fits inside your steamer basket. Cover the basket and steam the cake for about 5-7 minutes, or until it's heated through.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover chocolate cake for a crispy exterior and a soft, moist interior. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place a slice of cake in the air fryer basket and heat it for 2-3 minutes, or until it's warmed to your liking.
Random Fact About One Bowl Chocolate Cake
The chocolate cake recipe is a classic dessert that can be easily customized with different toppings and fillings. It's a versatile recipe that can be adapted to various dietary preferences, such as using gluten-free flour or dairy-free substitutes. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to dinner parties, and it's a great way to satisfy a chocolate craving. Plus, it's a one-bowl recipe, which means minimal cleanup and fuss. Enjoy creating your own variations of this delicious chocolate cake!
Is Making One Bowl Chocolate Cake Economical for Home Cooking?
This chocolate cake recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe yields a delicious dessert that can serve as a treat for the family. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it an affordable option for a homemade dessert. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its simplicity, affordability, and the delightful end result.
Is This Chocolate Cake Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This one bowl chocolate cake recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The cake contains a significant amount of sugar, which can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues when consumed in excess. Additionally, the recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks the nutrients found in whole grain flours. The use of vegetable oil and heavy whipping cream also adds to the cake's high calorie and fat content.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 to 1/2 cup, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Swap the vegetable oil with a healthier alternative like coconut oil or applesauce
- Use low-fat buttermilk or Greek yogurt instead of regular buttermilk to reduce the fat content
- Opt for a lighter ganache by using a higher ratio of cream to chocolate, or skip the ganache altogether and top the cake with fresh berries
By making these adjustments, you can create a more nutritious version of this chocolate cake that still satisfies your sweet tooth. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to enjoying treats like this, and it's essential to maintain a balanced diet overall.
Editor's Thoughts on This One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe
The one bowl chocolate cake recipe is a delightful and straightforward dessert option. The use of coffee and buttermilk adds depth of flavor and moisture to the cake, while the chocolate ganache provides a rich and indulgent finish. The simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible for home bakers, and the result is a moist, tender cake with a decadent chocolate topping. It's a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed for various occasions, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Overall, it's a winning recipe that is sure to impress and satisfy any chocolate lover.
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Why trust this One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe:
This recipe is a foolproof choice for any chocolate cake lover. With a perfect balance of cocoa powder and sugar, it promises a rich and decadent flavor. The addition of buttermilk ensures a moist and tender crumb, while the use of coffee enhances the chocolatey depth. The chocolate ganache adds a luscious finishing touch, elevating the overall indulgence. Trust in the simplicity of this one-bowl recipe, as it guarantees a delightful and satisfying dessert experience.
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